Sissinghurst Castle.

To actually visit Sissinghurst, walk the grounds, see the white garden; would be a dream come true. Here is the second best way to visit Sissinghurst Castle via the net.http://www.invectis.co.uk/sissing

And Giverny and the Chelsea Flower Show, Let's keep dreaming. I have seen Butchart in Victoria. that was lovely.

Hi Lenjo, I was just a little disapointed with Butchart. I wasn't expecting so many annuals with so much strong color. I had planned on taking pictures, but the strong colors everywhere threw me off. But what else can they do with those tons ands tons of visitors every day.

Hi golddog, I live 45mins from Sissinghurst and have visited it since i was a child. I remember going with my parents and being greeted by Vita Sackville West as she sat in her chair near the tower and Harold Nicholson coming along with his dog.
It has changed a bit in character since it's been taken over by the National Trust, but the main layout is similar

I am so envious,philomel, there is so much in England and all of the British Isles I would love to see.Have you been to the Chelsea Flower Show? I get the impression from hgtv that it is kind of exclusive.

I used to absolutely adore going to Chelsea Flower Show, but that was in the days when you could actually get close enough to see the exhibits! Now, even on members' days, it's so packed that you spend most of the day looking at the back of someone's head. Not good value for money in my book, lol.

I was there in 1993. Elbow to elbow. I couldn't find the landscape entries and thought maybe they weren't there. Until I got home and saw them on TV. Yes I think everyone is now buying membership into the RHS so as to crowd that day(s) as well.

philomel...exactly...When I was in Britain this past spring(May......) I made a point of not visiting Chelsea for that reason....Cornwall was exciting, especially the Lost Gardens of Heligan..loved it...but golddog: Sissinghurst is beautiful...did you know through the Royal Hort. Society, you can purchase videos on most of the gardens throughout this world..they are keepers!!!!!! By the way, being a Candian and all, I think I should tell you that Butchart has been planted that way since Jenny Butchart lived on the property..many a time, when just one, just one......plant(annual or?????), dies back the gardeners are in there like a dirty shirt...replanting!!!! Elaine

1601, I don't mean to come down too hard on Butchart Gardens. From a manager's view, timing is everything with the masses of people at the gate each morning. It is operated very well; everything in it's place. Almost like going through the Longwood Conservatory.

I visited Vancouver 2 years past and fell in love with it. On the water, scenic mountains, good transportation, very nice people, and so much to do. Did the regular tourist things. I could become a regular hiking at the top of the mountain, that has a lift. I thought if I were to move to the area; no doubt it would be N. Vancouver. The view of Vancouver, the cruise ships, the mountains, etc.

Enjoyed the aquarium very much. A first class facility.

A lot of rain I am sure, but like anything else, you just have to dress for it.

I just went through the various gardens of Sissinghurst, looking at the pictures of each grouping (white garden, the nuttery, views from the tower, etc.). I took notes as the photos came up on the screen. Whatever came to mind.

Such as: the more formality, the more maintenance; use pots at the top and/or bottom of steps; where is shade, part shade, and sun?; what perennials remain assets once they are done blooming?; grow plants out on walkways; focal points can follow each other on an axis; and such.

It is surprising what can be found in garden photos if we really look. One time we may be looking at color combinations, another time landscape objects, another climbing vines. The above garden has been created using principles of landscape and horticulture. It is up to us to 'read' the creators mind.

golddog,,you're not coming down on Butchart..for about fifteen years I was a Tour Director(free lance) and of course in a cross country tour, Butchart and Victoria were always included in the pkg. I used to chat with the head gardener, as much as I could..one of the first hd gdnrs was a Portuguese gentleman..boy Ilearned so much from him..He used to give me cuttings of the tropicals.lots of fun! I am glad you enjoyed our city..come back again, you will see many changes!!! E.